1.3.1. Comparing East and West

Bernier travelled to several parts of the country, and wrote accounts of what he saw, frequently comparing what he saw in India with the situation in Europe. He dedicated his major writing to Louis XIV, the king of France, and many of his other works were written in the form of letters to influential officials and ministers. In virtually every instance Bernier described what he saw in India as a bleak situation in comparison to developments in Europe. As we will see, this assessment was not always accurate. However, when his works were published, Bernier’s writings became extremely popular.

François Bernier, a French traveller, documented his experiences in India during the seventeenth century. His writings often contrasted Indian society with European standards, emphasizing what he perceived as deficiencies in India compared to Europe. He targeted influential figures in France, addressing his findings to King Louis XIV. His accounts painted a picture of India that highlighted social and economic flaws, but this perspective might have been somewhat biased or exaggerated. Bernier's works gained significant popularity after their publication, influencing how Europeans viewed India.

Consider a traveler who visits two different restaurants: one is a fine dining establishment and the other a casual eatery. If the traveler writes a review focusing only on the lack of formal service at the casual place, it could misrepresent the quality and value of that eatery, making it look worse than it really is. Bernier's travel accounts function similarly; he focused on negatives that would resonate with his European audience's expectations.

Bernier often travelled with the army. This is an excerpt from his description of the army’s march to Kashmir: I am expected to keep two good Turkoman horses, and I also take with me a powerful Persian camel and driver, a groom for my horses, a cook and a servant to go before my horse with a flask of water in his hand, according to the custom of the country.

When accompanying the Mughal army, Bernier had to prepare for extensive travels and equip himself accordingly. He mentions maintaining a small entourage, including horses, a camel, and a servant, which reflects the norms of travel in the region at that time. This account gives insight into the logistical challenges faced by travelers and the customary practices of travel in Mughal India.

Think of a modern-day traveler going on a long road trip. They would likely prepare by checking their vehicle, packing food, making sure they have a GPS or map, and perhaps even accompanying friends for safety and companionship. Similarly, Bernier's preparation for the journey reflects the necessities of traveling in a foreign land during the seventeenth century.

Bernier described India through the lens of a European, often skewing his view towards depicting India in a negative light. His recurring themes depicted the Mughal Empire as lacking behind Europe in terms of social progress and economic stability.

Bernier's observations often echoed a Eurocentric viewpoint, portraying the Indian social structure and economy as primitive compared to Europe. This division created a narrative that emphasized differences rather than similarities, contributing to a long-standing perception of the East as 'exotic but inferior.' His criticisms often echoed the views of contemporary European scholars and politicians, thereby influencing Western perspectives significantly.

Imagine someone from a developed city visiting a small town. If they only compare what they see in that small town — like slower internet speeds or less shopping variety — without acknowledging the town's unique qualities or strengths, they may paint a very unbalanced picture. Bernier’s accounts often do this, lacking a multifaceted view of Indian society.

Bernier's works were published in France in 1670-71 and translated into English, Dutch, German, and Italian within the next five years. Between 1670 and 1725 his account was reprinted eight times in French, and by 1684 it had been reprinted three times in English. This was in marked contrast to the accounts in Arabic and Persian, which circulated as manuscripts and were generally not published before 1800.

The widespread publication of Bernier's accounts quickly disseminated his views throughout Europe, contrasting sharply with the limited circulation of travel writings in Arabic and Persian during the same period. This divergence exemplified the different ways knowledge was produced and transferred within various cultures. As Bernier's writings reached a broad audience, they played a significant role in shaping the European understanding of India for generations.

Consider how viral social media posts can swiftly influence public opinion. When someone shares a popular opinion, it spreads rapidly, impacting how others perceive an issue. Similarly, Bernier's travel writings propagated specific views about India, shaping impressions that would linger long beyond his time.

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